90 zr1 power steering lines

[TomZR1]

noticed it was leaking oil and I brought in to a local repair shop and mechanic said two power steering lines were leaking, he wanted almost $500 to fix it. Just wondering if anyone had this problem and tried to fix it, is it easy? Also im sure its the lines because I dont have any more power steering fluid left

[TomZR1]

No dident have them do it way to much mola,might try fix myself is it hard to do

[mike100]

Can you have a hydraulic shop rebuild your original lines(rehose orig fittings).

[batchman]

I've had three power steering line failures on our two c4s.

Two cracked at the rack - for the ZR-1 I found a replacement and was a PITA to replace. The Z51 could not be found and had to be made - took a while but was not terribly expensive. Still a PITA to replace. I think it took a crows' foot wrench but can't remember that well.

One failed at the factory crimp fitting, where it goes from rubber to steel. That one I cut off the crimp band and fixed with a hose clamp (or maybe two). It was also a PITA but with a dremel and a cable/wand drive I got it done.

From what I can tell the crimp fittings are a somewhat common failure.

HTH,
- Jeff

[TomZR1]

Well I just found out it wasnt my power steering lines, its my rack and pinion. Im looking on eckler's corvette site and it was around $225.00 and to rebuild one it will cost 350.00 so I will buy a new one. Does anyone know where I can get a rack and pinion for cheaper than 225.00?
Also how does a rack and pinion go bad at 80k miles? Just my luck, the joys of owning a sports car

[mike100]

Its 24 years old. The seals dried out. Maybe you can just get the end seals replaced??

[WVZR-1]

Well I just found out it wasnt my power steering lines, its my rack and pinion. Im looking on eckler's corvette site and it was around $225.00 and to rebuild one it will cost 350.00 so I will buy a new one. Does anyone know where I can get a rack and pinion for cheaper than 225.00?
Also how does a rack and pinion go bad at 80k miles? Just my luck, the joys of owning a sports car

Your location is a "bonus" TurnOne engineering is in Saginaw and I'd suggest "no one" else to consider for a steering-rack replacement if that's what your told is needed. The Ecklers piece that you've priced is a "generic build" of one that's failed for who knows what reason. A quality build of yours might likely be more expensive but it will last if done by a quality builder.

I don't know if Muskegon Brake does steering-racks or not but they could certainly accomplish a repair. It appears from this information page they do steering-racks:

http://www.muskegonbrake.com/corvette/steering

http://turnone.squarespace.com/power-steering-racks/

You do NOT want to do this repair more than once - I'd suggest a conversation with either.

[TomZR1]

Thanks I'll look into

[TomZR1]

Ok got my rack & pinion getting it installed tomorrow ,figered I can replace power steering line since its there only problem can't find one tried napa,orielys,every local auto parts in my area and nothing,called corvette central and they said 2 weeks holy crap,so going to try some places that make hoses.any one know where I can get one by tomorrow (ya wright)

[Dynomite]

Ok got my rack & pinion getting it installed tomorrow ,figered I can replace power steering line since its there only problem can't find one tried napa,orielys,every local auto parts in my area and nothing,called corvette central and they said 2 weeks holy crap,so going to try some places that make hoses.any one know where I can get one by tomorrow (ya wright)

Let me check something...OK.....this is not going to help you immediately....I just took a look and cannot see the fittings going into the Power Steering Unit. But.......I would say if it happens to me I will make my own SS Braided Power Steering Lines.

I have never had one of these hydraulic lines with Aeroquip Reusable Fittings leak and they are much much tougher than original crimped fittings and easily replaced or adjusted if you want to at some point make them longer or shorter (the fittings are reusable). And......you will find a much better routing of the lines if you make them yourself by looking at the routing of the existing Power Steering Lines. The Aeroquip Reusable Fittings come in all sizes and angles to fit any situation. You can make your own oil cooler lines as shown here and Power Steering Lines or any other hydraulic line you might need on the ZR-1.

See ZR1 Engine (LT5) Bolts and Hydraulics (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=148468)

How to make your own SS Braided Hydraulic Lines with reusable fittings

Tools: One 10 inch cresent wrench (Box Wrench is best), One vice, Air compressor, Angle Grinder (with Cut Off wheel). The best tool for cutting the SS Braided Hose is a Small Angle Grinder (with Cut Off wheel) which does not fray the SS braids on the hose ends. It is also best to use an appropriate size Box Wrench on the Hose Fittings (box end) to minimize leaving marks on the fittings. I use Aeroquip Reusable Fittings and SS Braided hose from Summit Racing (http://www.summitracing.com/).

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/Maintenance%20ZR1/8ddc4dc6-297b-40b9-a1a9-12d5ca7baf00.jpg

1. Place SS Braided hose in vice and cut SS Braided hose to length using Angle Grinder with Cut Off wheel. Angle grinder is preferred since minimal SS wires are left free of the cut.
2. Make sure no SS Braided wires enter the hose end and make sure all loose SS Braided wires are ground flush with end. Keep the hose in the vice with about 2 inches on the free end out of the vice. (Clean the inside of the hose end Cut Off before going further with Cotton Cue Tip .
3. Take the AN reusable hose fitting and unscrew the male part from the female part. The other end of the male part will have an NPT pipe thread or "O" ring seal thread size (AN) as desired.
4. Take the AN reusable hose fitting female part and screw onto the SS Braided hose (counterclockwise) by hand pushing onto the hose as you rotate the female hose fitting counterclockwise.
5. Screw the AN female reusable hose fitting onto the hose such that the hose is at a depth into the female fitting as defined by the lines on the female fitting surface.
6. Lubricate the inside diameter of the SS Braided hose with oil through the end of the female fitting.
7. Insert the male reusable hose fitting into the lubricated hose through the end of the female fitting.
8. Push the male fitting into the hose as you rotate the male fitting clockwise using a cresent wrench (Box Wrench preferred). Once the threads are caught, continue rotating the male fitting into the hose untill approximately 1/16 inch space is left between the hexigon of the male fitting and female fitting.
9. Install the second hydraulic reusable hose fitting on the other end of the hose as per steps 2 through 8 above.
10. Last...but not least....take an air hose (Air Compressor) and blow the hose clear to make sure you have a clean assembly (if the SS Braided hose is not too long look through the hose end to end for any debree). You now have a SS Braided hydraulic hose with fittings good for maybe 2,000 psi hydraulic pressure more or less.

Parts Required for SS Braided Oil Cooler Lines.

The SS Oil Cooler Lines are very easy to make up in SS Braided hose using Aeroquip reusable fittings and SS Braided hose available from Summit Racing (http://www.summitracing.com/).

1. Use two 10 AN Stainless Steel Braided hose.
2. use two Aeroquip Reusable Hose Ends, 90 Degree, -10 AN Hose to Female -10 AN, Aluminum, Nickel Plated.
3. Use two Aeroquip Reusable Hose Ends, 45 Degree, -10 AN Hose to Female -10 AN, Aluminum, Nickel Plated.
4. Use two Stat-O-Seal, 5/8 in Inside Diameter, Aluminum with O-Ring.
5. Use two 10 AN M18x1.5 fittings threaded into the Aluminum adapter manifold.
6. One 6mm x 1.0 x 35 mm SS Allen head bolt.
7. One 6 mm SS washer.
8. Two "O" rings for the Aluminum adapter manifold to oil cooler interface.

The first five items can be found at Summit Racing (http://www.summitracing.com/).

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/C%20Engine%20LT5/57127474-9952-481a-9e68-32884e074fb9.jpg

[WVZR-1]

Ok got my rack & pinion getting it installed tomorrow ,figered I can replace power steering line since its there only problem can't find one tried napa,orielys,every local auto parts in my area and nothing,called corvette central and they said 2 weeks holy crap,so going to try some places that make hoses.any one know where I can get one by tomorrow (ya wright)

Gates has a direct interchange for the '90 - '91 pressure hose and their application catalog seems to agree. I'd use the Gates store locator and try to limit your calls. Gates also does the steering rack kit that's quite complete.

Plews/Edelmann and Omega also show interchanges as well as NAPA, I would have thought most of the calls you made yesterday could have offered "next day" service but of course it would have depended on "time of day" likely.

Curious - where did you source your steering rack?

[WVZR-1]

Let me check something...OK.....this is not going to help you immediately....I just took a look and cannot see the fittings going into the Power Steering Unit. But.......I would say if it happens to me I will make my own SS Braided Power Steering Lines.

I have never had one of these hydraulic lines with Aeroquip Reusable Fittings leak and they are much much tougher than original crimped fittings and easily replaced or adjusted if you want to at some point make them longer or shorter (the fittings are reusable). And......you will find a much better routing of the lines if you make them yourself by looking at the routing of the existing Power Steering Lines. The Aeroquip Reusable Fittings come in all sizes and angles to fit any situation. You can make your own oil cooler lines as shown here and Power Steering Lines or any other hydraulic line you might need on the ZR-1.



I believe the 16mm and 18mm Saginaw sealing system fittings might prove "challenging" for the fabrication.

[Dynomite]

I believe the 16mm and 18mm Saginaw sealing system fittings might prove "challenging" for the fabrication.

Hydratechbraking (http://www.hydratechbraking.com/hose_fittings.html)

o Rebuildable / re-usable genuine Aeroquip hose ends (no crimping required)
o For use with '80 and newer 18mm / 16mm O-ring style brake assist units
o For use with O-ring and / or flare style Saginaw full size or mini PS pumps

Power Steering Adapters (http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Tools-Garage-and-Equipment/Power-Steering-Adapter-Fitting/_/N-26mo)

Hosewarehouse Racing Hose Fittings (http://hosewarehouse.com/Racing-Hose-Fittings/Hoses-Fittings-Power-Steering-Hose-Fittings)

And my favorite for SS Braided Hose and Aeroquip Fittings.......
Summit Racing (http://www.summitracing.com/search/department/fittings-hoses/part-type/power-steering-fittings)

[WVZR-1]

Hydratechbraking (http://www.hydratechbraking.com/hose_fittings.html)

o Rebuildable / re-usable genuine Aeroquip hose ends (no crimping required)
o For use with '80 and newer 18mm / 16mm O-ring style brake assist units
o For use with O-ring and / or flare style Saginaw full size or mini PS pumps

Power Steering Adapters (http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Tools-Garage-and-Equipment/Power-Steering-Adapter-Fitting/_/N-26mo)

I seriously "doubt" there's adequate clearance available to start a "concoction" of adapters to fulfill a task that can likely be performed adequately with an "off the shelf" purchase of an OE type hose. That was "quite a reach" in an attempt but I'd think it would prove a waste of materials - take a look at both the exit at the pump and the inlet at the steering rack and "try again". I'm quite familiar with Saginaw to -AN adapters. That had nothing to do with my original comment as to it being "challenging"!

Now could you salvage the tubing, use hose and crimps to replace just the hose - that could be very "doable" and I've done that to replace obsolete AC fittings - the PS system at probably 850 - 1000 PSI or so and nearly 3 GPH I don't know that I'd want to attempt that.

[Dynomite]

I seriously "doubt" there's adequate clearance available to start a "concoction" of adapters to fulfill a task that can likely be performed adequately with an "off the shelf" purchase of an OE type hose. That was "quite a reach" in an attempt but I'd think it would prove a waste of materials - take a look at both the exit at the pump and the inlet at the steering rack and "try again". I'm quite familiar with Saginaw to -AN adapters. That had nothing to do with my original comment as to it being "challenging"!

Now could you salvage the tubing, use hose and crimps to replace just the hose - that could be very "doable" and I've done that to replace obsolete AC fittings - the PS system at probably 850 - 1000 PSI or so and nearly 3 GPH I don't know that I'd want to attempt that.

Oh.....OK.....you mentioned 18mm Saginaw sealing system fittings might prove "challenging" for the fabrication so I thought it was a fittings issue for you.

"concoction" "quick reach" and "try again" :D
You remind me of someone else and the words he uses all the time "kludge" "ripping" ..............:sign10:
All those terms seem negative to me...

My Guru (an absolute ZR-1 expert and Daryll knows him also as the guy who got me started in this Hobby)......just sent me this bit of information.............I am still going to experiment.....;)

I was focused on what I could see above the Steering Rack......and NOT the pump connections.

There is a specific kink in the pressure hose to allow it to fit behind the pump. Most places that build hoses can not replicate it due to where it is. And there is no fitting a aeroquip line due to the space constraints because you would have to use an adapter.

Autozone sells and will deliver a hose.

Part number 71778

Power Steering Pressure Line Hose (http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Power-Steering-Pressure-Line-Hose/_/N-8oz1z?filterByKeyWord=71778&fromString=search&isSearchByPartNumber=true)

[TomZR1]

Thanks for all the info,got one from auto zone had to order it will be here Friday .rack & pinion got from vette products here in lake Orion Michigan,thanks again guys:)

[WVZR-1]

Thanks for all the info,got one from auto zone had to order it will be here Friday .rack & pinion got from vette products here in lake Orion Michigan,thanks again guys:)

If you've NOT surrendered your rack for the core yet I would hold it for 90 days or so to confirm you're happy with the rack that you've received and that you've no issues. Your issues with the one you removed were leaks from where? A complete seal package for a rack is not particularly expensive and unless the rack would require a sleeve internally the repair is pretty straight forward.

The A-zone replacement hose is pretty inexpensive - almost scary "cheap". It might be interesting to see whose packaging it arrives in. The part number indicates it's likely Plews/Edelmann but I see that maybe Plews has purchased Omega which would have been a different part number.

[TomZR1]

it was leaking in the middle almost looks like a big rivot or stamp towards bottom guy says cant fix it need new one.

[Schrade]

Well I just found out it wasnt my power steering lines, its my rack and pinion. Im looking on eckler's corvette site and it was around $225.00 and to rebuild one it will cost 350.00 so I will buy a new one. Does anyone know where I can get a rack and pinion for cheaper than 225.00?
Also how does a rack and pinion go bad at 80k miles? Just my luck, the joys of owning a sports car

Ok got my rack & pinion getting it installed tomorrow ,figered I can replace power steering line since its there only problem can't find one tried napa,orielys,every local auto parts in my area and nothing,called corvette central and they said 2 weeks holy crap,so going to try some places that make hoses.any one know where I can get one by tomorrow (ya wright)

OK - if it's NOT your power steering lines, AND YOU CAN'T FIND ONE, THEN WHY REPLACE THEM???

TomZR1 - you're not making much sense here.

How did the R&P install go yesterday?

[TomZR1]

Rack and pinion install went real good the reason why replace the power steering lines is because they said it was sweating whatever that means, and found the line at AutoZone got it the next day